Communications

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:

Any and all memoranda issued to Boston Police Department officers in preparation of the "Free Speech Rally" on Boston Common on August 19, 2017.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) received your August 17, 2017 request for public records. This letter shall act as the response to your request for public records. A response to a public records request must be provided within ten (10) business days from the business day a written request was received. G. L. c. 66, § 10 (a); 950 CMR 32.06(2)(b). It is expected that all public records responsive to a request will be provided within twenty-five business days from the business day a written request was received. G. L. c. 66, § 10(b)(vi); 950 CMR 32.06(2)(i). This response applies only to records that exist and are in the custody of the BPD. *See* *A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law*, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must use her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. 950 CMR 32.04(5).

Specifically, you requested: Any and all memoranda issued to Boston Police Department officers in preparation of the "Free Speech Rally" on Boston Common on August 19, 2017.

Pursuant to the Massachusetts law a municipal records custodian is permitted to assess fees for the provision of public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10 (d); 950 CMR 32.07. There is a presumption under the Massachusetts Public Records Law that government records are public; however, government records custodians are permitted to redact or withhold portions of public records. See G. L. c. 4, § 7 (26).

After a determination regarding the existence of any public records the BPD will provide a supplemental response to your request. Any exemptions to the Public Records Law that apply to permit or require redaction or withholding will be described at that time, along with any applicable fees.

Under Massachusetts law you may appeal this response to the Supervisor of Records in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; 950 CMR 32.08. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 617.343.4520 <(617)%20343-6660>.

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 17, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #B000504-082317.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 17, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #B000504-082317.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 17, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #B000504-082317.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) received your August 17, 2017 request for public records. Specifically, you requested: Any and all memoranda issued to Boston Police Department officers in preparation of the "Free Speech Rally" on Boston Common on August 19, 2017.

Please find all responsive documents attached in this email.

Under Massachusetts law you may appeal this response to the Supervisor of Records in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; 950 CMR 32.08. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 617.343.4520.